Bennettsville Police Department

08/13/2026

08/13/2026

⚠️ PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: ONLINE DATING EXTORTION SCAM

The Bennettsville Police Department has recently received reports of an online dating extortion scam targeting individuals through dating apps and social media.

The scam typically begins when someone connects with a profile that appears to belong to an adult. After inappropriate or sexual messages or images are exchanged, the person behind the account suddenly claims to be underage, or another person becomes involved and makes that claim.

The victim is then pressured to send money to keep the situation quiet or avoid supposed legal consequences.

In some cases, the scam escalates further. Someone impersonating a law enforcement officer contacts the victim and threatens criminal charges, arrest, or other legal action unless money is paid.

DO NOT PAY.

Legitimate law enforcement agencies will not demand money, gift cards, electronic payments, or any other form of payment to prevent an arrest or avoid criminal charges.

If you are targeted by this type of scam:

• Do not send money or make any payment
• Stop communicating with the individuals involved
• Save screenshots, usernames, phone numbers, messages, and other evidence
• Do not forward, repost, or distribute inappropriate images
• Do not delete communications that may be needed as evidence
• Contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident

Scammers rely on fear, embarrassment, and urgency to pressure victims into acting before they have time to think. If someone is demanding money while threatening arrest, criminal charges, or public embarrassment, stop communicating and contact law enforcement directly.

Please share this information with family and friends to help others recognize the warning signs and avoid becoming victims.

Bennettsville Police Department
COMMITMENT • INTEGRITY • DETERMINATION

08/13/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT
Bennettsville Police Department

The Bennettsville Police Department is warning members of the community about a suspected online dating and extortion scam that has recently been reported to our department.

In these incidents, an individual may match with someone on a dating or social media application who appears to be an adult. After communicating with the person, the victim may be encouraged to exchange intimate photographs or other personal information.

The individual may then claim to be underage and threaten to expose the victim or report them to law enforcement unless money is paid. In some cases, the victim may subsequently receive messages or phone calls from someone claiming to be a police officer, investigator, parent, or attorney, demanding money or threatening criminal charges.

The Bennettsville Police Department wants the public to know: Law enforcement officers will not demand money from individuals in exchange for preventing an arrest or criminal charges.

If you receive a message or phone call of this nature:

- Do not send money or gift cards.
- Do not provide banking or other financial information.
- Do not send additional photographs or personal information.
- Do not allow threats or intimidation to pressure you into paying.
- Preserve messages, phone numbers, usernames, photographs, and other communications as evidence.
- Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.

The department has received multiple reports involving this type of conduct and encourages anyone who believes they may have been targeted to contact law enforcement. Victims should not be embarrassed or afraid to report these incidents. These scams are designed to create fear, panic, and embarrassment in order to pressure victims into sending money.

Parents and guardians are also encouraged to speak with family members about the risks associated with communicating with unknown individuals through dating applications and social media.

When someone threatens you with arrest unless you pay money, stop and contact law enforcement directly. Do not attempt to resolve the situation by paying the individual.

The Bennettsville Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and educating the public about emerging scams and criminal activity.

08/10/2026

Bennettsville Police Department Officers Complete Hostage & Crisis Negotiations Training

The Bennettsville Police Department is proud to recognize Lt. German and Detective Sessoms for successfully completing a rigorous 40-hour Hostage and Crisis Negotiations Course at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

Alongside law enforcement officers from agencies across South Carolina, Lt. German and Detective Sessoms spent an intensive week sharpening the skills necessary to effectively respond to some of the most challenging and critical situations law enforcement may encounter.

The course focused on communication, active listening, behavioral influence, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. These skills are essential when officers are faced with individuals experiencing a crisis, volatile situations, or circumstances where patience, understanding, and effective communication can mean the difference between escalation and resolution.

One of the most important lessons reinforced throughout the training is that sometimes the most powerful tool on a scene isn't a piece of equipment-it's a conversation.

Effective crisis negotiation requires officers to listen before they speak, understand the person behind the crisis, build rapport, establish trust, and use communication to create opportunities for a peaceful resolution.

We are all extremely proud of Lt. German and Detective Sessoms for their commitment to professional development and their willingness to invest the time and effort necessary to strengthen their capabilities.

Congratulations to Lt. German and Detective Sessoms on this accomplishment. Your continued commitment to training, professionalism, and service represents the very best of the Bennettsville Police Department.

Train. Communicate. De-escalate. Resolve.

Bennettsville Police Department- Determination *Integrity * Commitment

08/04/2026

Due to the possibility of bad weather this evening, we’ve made the decision to move National Night Out indoors to the Bennettsville Community Center, located at 714 North Marlboro Street.

The time remains the same, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and we still have a great evening planned with free food, games and activities, school-supply giveaways, community partners, and members of the Bennettsville Police Department.

I also want to personally thank Northeastern Technical College for all of their help, cooperation, and hospitality during the planning of this event. They have been an outstanding community partner, and we truly appreciate everything they have done to support National Night Out.

We hope everyone will still come out and enjoy the evening with us. We look forward to seeing you tonight at the Bennettsville Community Center.

Chief Sammy Crosland
Bennettsville Police Department

08/03/2026

📢 Weather Update for Our Event

To everyone planning to attend, please be advised that in the event of rain, our alternate location will be the Bennettsville Community Center, located at 714 N. Marlboro Street, Bennettsville, SC.

Whether the sun is shining or the rain is falling, we're looking forward to a great time of fellowship, fun, and community interaction. We hope you'll come out, enjoy the event, and spend time with us!

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

07/30/2026

⚠️ PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: RECENT VEHICLE BREAK-INS ⚠️

The Bennettsville Police Department is investigating a series of vehicle break-ins, thefts and acts of property damage that occurred during the early-morning hours of Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

Incidents were reported in several residential areas, including the Usher Street, Sewanee Street/Lakeside Apartments, Pinewood Street and Oakwood Street areas.

Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation shows multiple individuals checking vehicles during the overnight hours. In one recording, three masked individuals who appeared to be male were observed entering multiple vehicles at approximately 3:15 a.m. Investigators are also reviewing footage involving a small passenger vehicle that may be connected to the incidents.

Several vehicles were entered after being left unlocked. Other vehicles sustained broken windows. Property reported stolen included cash, gift cards, personal documents, keys and a firearm. One motor vehicle was also reported stolen after the keys had been left inside.

These cases remain under active investigation.

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:

• Lock your vehicle every time, including when it is parked at home.
• Never leave keys, fi****ms, wallets, purses, cash or identification documents inside a vehicle.
• Remove valuables from view, including backpacks, shopping bags and electronic devices.
• Park in a well-lit area whenever possible.
• Activate exterior lighting, alarms and surveillance cameras.
• Verify that your doors are locked before going inside for the night.
• Do not confront anyone you observe entering vehicles or checking door handles.

CHECK YOUR CAMERAS:

Residents and businesses near the affected areas are asked to review doorbell cameras, exterior surveillance systems and vehicle cameras for suspicious activity occurring between approximately 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on July 29.

Even footage that does not clearly show a person’s face may provide valuable information, including clothing, direction of travel, vehicle type, headlights, taillights or the number of individuals involved.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:

Call 911 immediately if you observe someone actively entering vehicles, checking door handles, damaging property or behaving suspiciously around parked vehicles.

Information or surveillance footage related to these incidents may be provided to the Bennettsville Police Department by calling 843-479-3620 during business hours.

After business hours, contact the Marlboro County EOC non-emergency line at 843-479-9999 and ask to speak with the on-duty Bennettsville Police Department supervisor.

Please do not post possible suspect names, accusations or unverified information in the comments. Information should be provided directly to investigators.

SEE IT. REPORT IT. DO NOT CONFRONT IT.

Bennettsville Police Department
Protecting Our Community Through Awareness, Prevention and Partnership

07/14/2026

07/11/2026

A Message from Chief Sammy L. Crosland

Beginning Monday, the closure of the Cheraw Street Bridge will significantly impact traffic flow throughout Bennettsville. As many of you experienced today, summer beach traffic is already placing additional demands on our roadways. With this closure, we anticipate increased congestion, particularly during peak travel periods and on weekends.

I want to assure our community that the Bennettsville Police Department is aware of these challenges and will assist with traffic management whenever operationally feasible. At the same time, our officers must remain available to respond to emergencies, crashes, crimes in progress, and calls for service. Protecting lives and ensuring public safety will always remain our highest priority.

I encourage everyone to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, follow posted detour signs, and exercise patience while traveling through our community. A few extra minutes and a little courtesy can make a significant difference for everyone on the road.

On behalf of the men and women of the Bennettsville Police Department, thank you for your patience, cooperation, and continued support. We will continue working with our local and state partners to help minimize disruptions and keep our community as safe as possible throughout this project.

Respectfully,

Chief Sammy L. Crosland
Chief of Police
Bennettsville Police Department